Module 2 - Judaism

Question 1

Moses Maimondes family life summarised

Answer 1

Born 1138CE in Cordoba Spain, left Spain with family when capture of Cordoba occurred, settled in Fez Morocco 1160CE. Became an expert in astronomy/medicine. All left Morocco for Egypt 1165CE.

Question 2

Moses Maimondes Personal achievements:

Answer 2

Completed ‘Commentary on the Mishnah 1168CE
Appointed Chief Rabbi of Egyptian Jewry 1177CE
Completed Mishneh Torah 1180CE
Completed the Moreh Nevuchim/Guide for Perplexed 1190CE
Passed away, resting place at holy place of Tiberia in Israel 1204 CE
Many books burned from controversy even to today.

Question 3

13 Articles of Faith

Answer 3

Ultimate summary of basic tenets of Judaism, attempt to put true concepts of God and faith as tools to avoid error. In the past, by summarising core tenets, he ensured Jews understood their faith and God. Ongoing now, included in every Jewish prayer book/services and recited (Yigdal: let God be exalted) as liturgical hymn at friday conclusion or festival services to clarify core beliefs.

Question 4

13 Articles of Faith - Quote: Commentary on the Mishnah

Answer 4

Referred to the 13 articles as “the fundamental truths of our religion and its very foundations”

Question 5

Mishneh Torah

Answer 5

First proper code of Halachah/Jewish law that drew from earlier sources; Mishnah, Talmud & Tosefta. In the past, arranged law/precepts for easy access to the Jewish world for everyday understanding on how to behave in situations, divided commandments to 14 groups. Ongoing, changed landscape of halachic study/practice with easy access of Torah to Jews as compendium of legal info on basic understanding of Torah’s teachings.

Question 6

Mishneh Torah - Quote: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Answer 6

“It gathers all of Jewish law in a concise and clear fashion”

Question 7

Guide for the Perplexed/Moreh Nevuchim

Answer 7

Aimed to rationalise the philosophy of Judaism to save it from becoming irrelevant, he resolved philosophical concerns/contradictions to reinforce adherents faith in Judaism. In the past, reconciled Aristotellian philosophy with Hebrew bible theology where many questioned the relations between Greek philosophy and Jewish faith to show the basis of rational thought, some communities limited study or banned as its controversial. Ongoing, nearly all philosophical work for remaining Middle Ages cited/commented/criticised Maimonides views.

Question 8

How ethics guide adherents daily

Answer 8

Decision making.
Evaluate adherents morality
Assist in acting on their decisions
Aids to bringing social transformation
Allow social cohesion

Question 9

Tikkun Olam/Repair of the World

Answer 9

Jewish adherents called to work on the environmental ethics of social justice originating from the Midrash Kohelet Rabbah 1. It’s an act of social responsibility connected to human responsibility to fix the wrong in the world.

Question 10

Tikkun Olam - How it shows problems and solutions

Answer 10

Waste disposal/recycling shows environmental fragility and limit to world resources. Jews believe performing mitzvot rituals (good deeds, commandments, religious obligations) is a part of Tikkun to help perfect the world.

Question 11

Tikkun Olam - Evidence of how teaching express ethical conduct of adherents

Answer 11

Noah project; UK based environmental organisation to raise awareness of environmental issues in Jewish community by education, celebrating Jewish festivals and action.
Community awareness of waste pollution.

Question 12

Tikkun Olam - Quote: Deuteronomy 20:19

Answer 12

“See to it that you do not spoil and Destroy My World; for if you do, there will be no one else to repair it”

Question 13

Tikkun Olam/Bal Tashchit - Quote: Babylonian Talmud-Shabbat 67b

Answer 13

“Those who burn fuel more than necessary violate a mandate.”

Question 14

Bal Tashchit/Do not destroy or waste

Answer 14

Adherents are called to not destroy the world, it was linked to damage of fruit trees, now extended to all waste of resources. Fundamental law underpins teaching of Jewish tradition on the environment; spurred from Torah & Tanakh. Teaches used to prohibit careless destruction/exploitation of resources. Adherents must be mindful of sustainability in purchases to not be wasteful.

Question 15

Bal Tashchit - Issues it brings up

Answer 15

Sustainability is an issue with the environment; deforestation and excessive consumption violate Bal, where other options exist.

Question 16

Bal Tashchit - Quote: Deuteronomy 20:19

Answer 16

“You shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them”

Question 17

Bal Tashchit - Evidence of teaching expressed by adherents

Answer 17

B’NAI B’RITH; Environment group since 1997, Australian organisation that educates Jews on environmental concerns and sustainability. Engaged in tree planting, producing calico bags to reduce plastic and promote environmental projects in Jewish schools.

Question 18

Describe Marriage

Answer 18

Believed at birth, the soul separates to 2 pieces, through ‘union of hetero people sanctified by God’ (Kiddushin), the soul reconnects. Contributes to growth/success of the Jewish community (it’s passed by generations). It should be sought after adolescence (Bat Mitzvah)

Question 19

Describe Post Marriage

Answer 19

Males are obligated to grant 1 year of ‘happiness’ to his wife after marriage (Deuteronomy 24:5). God acts as a silent 3rd partner. Family is the basic social unit of Judaism, Shalom Bayit (Peace in the home). Ultimately, husband and wife ‘became one flesh’ (Genesis 2:24).

Question 20

Marriage - Quote: Positive Mitzvot

Answer 20

“Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) goal of judaism procreation, by Talmudic teaching, fulfilled when a means bears a son and daughter, mirrors Adam and Eve.

Question 21

Marriage - Aufruf/Aliyah (going up)

Answer 21

Prior to the wedding, the groom and bride read Torah on Shabbat, receiving a community blessing, tradition from King Solomon. Some communities wish the couple a sweet life by showering them in sweets, highlighting the importance of God’s word.

Question 22

Marriage - Mikvah

Answer 22

Purpose of immersion from it is to spiritually purify the bride for marriage, upholding dignity, preserving the covenant and fulfilling commandments. The ritual bath ensures purity before marriage, with couple refraining contact during the menstrual cycle.

Question 23

Marriage - Fasting

Answer 23

Couple fast until wedding ceremony - symbolic act of atonement, entering marriage in pure, sinless state. Ritual serves as a reminder that besides marriage, they leave sins behind to embark on a new life together.

Question 24

Marriage - Fletubah

Answer 24

Jewish marriage contract signed in front of witnesses outlining marital responsibilities. Orthodox tradition; loss can impact marriage; in progressive ceremonies, symbolises sacred covenant between God and couple, dates to 536 BCE.

Question 25

Marriage - Bedeken

Answer 25

Veil symbolises modesty and prioritising soul over appearance, origin in the biblical story of Jacob and Leah in Torah (Genesis 29:16).

Question 26

Marriage - Chuppah

Answer 26

Symbolises God’s presence rooted in 2500 yr tradition, represents married couple’s hospitality and community inclusion. Serving as a tangible reminder of covenant, also signifies creation of a welcoming home for all, with open sides inviting everyone to share in celebration.

Question 27

Marriage - Encircling

Answer 27

Ritual rooted in biblical symbolism, signifies protection and completeness within shared home space. Orthodox tradition, the wife circles husband seven times, symbolically creating a protective barrier and entering the core of his soul, embodying love, beauty and family loyalty.

Question 28

Marriage - Drinking wine and kiddush cup

Answer 28

Jewish tradition, wine symbolises joy/happiness, relax inhibitions and allow the soul to shine. Talmud states “wine gladdens the heart” and is integral to rituals like betrothal blessing and observance of Shabbat.

Question 29

Marriage - Ring

Answer 29

Ring devoid of fancy stones represents universal accessibility of marriage, showing its not exclusive to wealth. Symbolises couples’ connection with each other and God, representing reciprocal love as the groom places it on the bride’s index finger to sanctify union to Jewish tradition.

Question 30

Marriage - Sheva B’rachot (Seven blessings)

Answer 30

‘Seven Blessings’ are recited at weddings to express gratitude for the wind, couple and the community, emphasising divine, creative and sacred nature of marriage. The blessings praising God’s omnipotence recited by Rabbi or individual chosen by families involved.

Question 31

Marriage - Breaking the Glass

Answer 31

Shattered glass at Jewish wedding symbolises life’s imperfections, recalling destruction of Jewish temples, marking the end of the ceremony. The Act serves as a reminder for couples to cherish happy moments, acknowledging how life, like the broken world, is not always joyous.

Question 32

Marriage - Yichud

Answer 32

Newlyweds share a private breakfast ceremony before going to a secluded room accompanied by witnesses. The intimate moment precedes a celebratory banquet with wedding guests, emphasising the significance of private time together.

Question 33

Marriage - Tallit

Answer 33

Traditionally for women to give her husband a gift of a prayer shawl on wedding day.

Question 34

Marriage - Significance for individuals and community

Answer 34

Marriage for adherents is not only an individual pursuit of love and companionship but fulfils religious duty by procreating and building the Jewish community. It serves as a means of connecting to tradition through rituals, emphasising the contractual nature of the relationship while strengthening communal bonds and reminding both the couple and community of the sacred covenant with God.

Question 35

Difference between the Tanakh and the Torah

Answer 35

The Torah holds the 613 Mitzvot plus the first five books of the Tanakh.
The Tanakh alone is the full Hebrew bible without the 613 Mitzvot.